Best Special Need Schools in Cumbria

Mayfield School is an outstanding all-through school located in Whitehaven, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school offers a nurturing environment that fosters care and support. The leadership team is clear and confident, constantly seeking improvement. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, preparing students exceptionally well for their future. With excellent safeguarding measures in place, students feel safe and well-cared for. Mayfield School maintains the highest quality of education, ensuring students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

Sandside Lodge School is an all-through school located in Ulverston, North West. With a low student teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The school's outstanding behavior and safety record, along with its commitment to individualized learning and high standards of education, make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a fruitful and satisfying educational experience for their children.

Settlebeck School is a welcoming and nurturing secondary school located in Sedbergh. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, our dedicated staff ensure that every student feels valued and respected. We prioritize academic standards and offer excellent care and support to help our students achieve exceptional results. Our small school size allows for individualized learning, and our high expectations ensure that all students, including those with special educational needs, thrive. With outstanding behavior and safety ratings, Settlebeck School provides a safe and vibrant environment where students can grow and prepare for adulthood.

William Howard School is a secondary school located in Brampton, North West. With a strong emphasis on resilience, responsibility, and respect, the school strives for excellence in all areas. The dedicated leadership team has improved the overall effectiveness of the school, resulting in good outcomes for students. The curriculum is well-designed, offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Students receive high-quality careers information and guidance, ensuring their future success. With positive and inclusive school culture, William Howard School provides a supportive environment for students to thrive and achieve their best.

Workington Academy is a secondary school located in Stainburn, Workington. With a strong emphasis on personal development and a Good overall grade from Ofsted, the school offers a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 allows for individualized attention, and the school's commitment to inclusion is reflected in the support provided for students with special educational needs. Additionally, Workington Academy boasts a range of resources and facilities to enhance the learning experience. With a B- Snobe grade and positive exam results, including 28% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, it is clear that Workington Academy strives for academic excellence.

Sandgate School is an all-through school located in Kendal, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, our dedicated staff provides personalized attention to each student. Our overall grade of B- reflects our commitment to maintaining a good quality of education. We prepare students effectively for life after leaving and have a strong understanding of safeguarding. However, we are working towards improving learning objectives and consistently challenging most-able pupils.

The Lakes School is a secondary school located in Troutbeck Bridge, Windermere. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a strong focus on individual attention and support. The school offers a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-18, with a diverse student body of 462 students. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with a particular focus on quality education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. The Lakes School also has a sixth form provision, allowing students to continue their education beyond GCSEs. With a moderate learning difficulty (MLD) and severe learning difficulty (SLD) support, the school offers inclusive education for all. The Lakes School strives for academic excellence, with 33% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and math GCSEs. The school prides itself on its safe and resourceful environment, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students.

The Queen Katherine School is a secondary school located in Kendal, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a strong focus on personal development, the school provides a good quality education. It offers a diverse range of subjects, including English, maths, and the EBacc. The school has a good overall grade from Ofsted, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for students. With a dedicated teaching staff and good leadership and management, The Queen Katherine School is committed to providing a positive educational experience for all.

Caldew School is a co-educational secondary school located in Dalston, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-18. Led by Ms Victoria Jackson, the school has a good overall grade from Ofsted, ensuring high-quality education and personal development. With a focus on improving care and support, students at Caldew School display confidence in their ability to learn and interact positively with adults and peers. Exam results show steady progress, with 42% achieving grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs and an average A-level point score of 32.32. Caldew School is committed to providing a nurturing educational experience for its students.

Ullswater Community College is a caring and supportive secondary school located in Penrith, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 24:1 and a strong sixth-form provision, the school prioritizes the well-being and academic development of its diverse student body. Although the school requires improvement in some areas, it offers excellent pastoral care and support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. Parents and carers are highly supportive of the school, making it an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Trinity School is a co-ed secondary school located in Carlisle. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a focused and supportive learning environment. Offering a comprehensive education for students aged 11-18, Trinity School places a strong emphasis on personal development and offers a good sixth-form provision. The school has a diverse student body, with 872 girls and 823 boys, and provides support for students with special educational needs, including hearing impairment. While the school's overall effectiveness and leadership require improvement according to the latest Ofsted report, Trinity School is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

Underley Garden School is an outstanding all-through co-ed boarding school in Kirkby Lonsdale. With a strong focus on individual needs and support, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 5-19 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Severe Learning Difficulty, and other disabilities. Led by Miss April Boyd, the dedicated staff work tirelessly to help each pupil achieve their best, resulting in excellent exam results and positive feedback from parents. With an outstanding Ofsted rating and a broad tailored curriculum, Underley Garden School is the ideal choice for parents seeking a supportive and high-quality education for their children.

North Lakes School is a friendly and inclusive primary school in Penrith. With a nurturing environment and strong leadership team, students are taught to be resilient learners. The school values collaboration and provides equal learning opportunities for all students. With a focus on inclusivity and support for special educational needs, North Lakes School is committed to the success and well-being of every child.

George Hastwell School Special Academy is an all-through school located in Barrow-in-Furness. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides individualized attention and support to students aged 3-19 with a range of special educational needs. The school offers a nurturing environment where students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and other difficulties can thrive. Despite the school's overall grade being C, it is continuously working towards improvement in academics, behavior, personal development, and leadership. The school also provides a nursery and sixth form for students. Parents can expect a dedicated team of teachers and assistants who prioritize the well-being and progress of each student. Although the school faces challenges in terms of resources and safety, it strives to provide a quality education and inclusive environment for its students.

Wings School is a co-educational boarding school located in Whassett, Milnthorpe. Founded in 2003, it provides education for students aged 10-17 with a focus on supporting those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With a small class size of 50 students, Wings School offers a nurturing environment for personal development and outstanding behaviour and attitudes. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, ensuring the quality of education provided. With a high percentage of students receiving SEN support, Wings School is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of every child.

St James' Catholic Primary School is a warm and welcoming community school catering to students aged 4-11. With a student teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides a nurturing environment where pupils thrive. The school's good overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, and behaviour and safety of pupils ensure that parents can trust their child's education. Additionally, the school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding arrangements, attendance rates, and providing support for struggling students.

Bransty Primary School offers a positive and hard-working atmosphere where students receive a good quality education. With effective safeguarding measures and dedicated staff, the school focuses on early years development and strives to improve teaching. However, there are some areas for improvement in terms of pupils' outcomes and attendance. Overall, Bransty Primary School provides a supportive learning environment for children aged 3-11, ensuring their academic and personal growth.

Oversands School is a co-ed boarding school located in Witherslack, North West. With a history dating back to 1973, the school offers a middle deemed secondary education for students aged 8-19. Led by Mr Edward Sherratt, the school has a good Ofsted rating and excels in providing support for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. With a small student body of 71, Oversands School focuses on close ties between home and learning to ensure each young person achieves their best. Exam results show a strong commitment to student progress and development.

Appleby Primary School is a welcoming and supportive school located in Appleby-in-Westmorland. With a student teacher ratio of 24:1, our dedicated staff ensure that every child receives the attention they need to thrive. Our good overall effectiveness and achievement of pupils are reflected in our exam results, with an average score of 101 in maths and 104 in reading. We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our students, providing safeguarding arrangements that are fit for purpose. Come and visit our thriving school to see why we are so proud of what we offer!

All Saints' CofE School is a primary school located in Cockermouth, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a well-rounded education in a safe and inclusive environment. The school's overall effectiveness and quality of teaching have been rated as good by Ofsted. They offer specialist support for pupils with SEN and disabilities, ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their potential. The school also promotes a Christian ethos and actively engages students in charitable activities. With improving skills in writing and great extra-curricular activities, All Saints' CofE School is committed to nurturing curious minds and fostering academic and personal development.